Hotel Santa Isabel la Real, Granada, Spain - Explore & Book
"The Albaicín quarter of Granada rises steeply up a hillside directly opposite the Alhambra: the views from its leafy squares across the Darro gorge to the exquisite Nasrid palaces have long been a magnet for travellers, romantics and dreamers. Hotel Santa Isabel lies at the heart of its plexus of narrow alleyways, and nudges up to the convent of the same name: arriving in its sheltered patio you get that same sense of cloistered retreat.The creation and management of the hotel is very much a family affair: managed by 2 friendly sisters - Elena and Lola - the hotel was created by their father after 3 years of inspired and meticulous restoration. The building turns around its columned patio where a trickling fountain and a double tier of balconies evoke its 16th-century origins. The 11 guest rooms are exceptionally pretty and very spick and span: those at the top of the building grab a slice of that narcotic Alhambra vista. Santa Isabel really proves the rule that small is beautiful, and the Castillo family treat you as a guest of honour. Highs There's a real sense of inner sanctum, of being far removed from the cut and thrust of the cityA cosy sitting room with comfy sofas to slump into after a day of sightseeingYou're just around the corner from the lively bars and restaurants of Plaza San Miguel Bajo and a short stroll from the lively Moroccan quarterThe Castillo family's gentle, ever helpful manner will make your stay here doubly memorableYou're at the heart of the Albaicín, one of Europe's most fascinating medieval quartersThe hotel has half a dozen off-street parking spaces right next door Lows Apart from breakfast, only light snacks are available. But with so many bars and restaurants virtually next door, this is hardly a problemIf you walk up from the Darro gorge be prepared for a steep haul, albeit through a fascinating labyrinth of narrow alleysNone of the rooms can accommodate extra beds, and if you want a baby cot you'll have to provide your own" - Guy Hunter Watts
